Life @ Montrose, Jan. 3, 2008

WORSHIP WITH NORMAN GRAHAM
Whether we like it or not we are already charging full speed ahead with the New Year. This Sabbath we will have a spiritually nurturing worship service with Norman Graham about "Embracing the Promise." I invite you to come and learn how to stay "steadfast" with Jesus this year through the daily choices we make.
 
PATHFINDERS
Last Sabbath we had a potluck group that discussed the beginning of our new Pathfinder club, and yesterday our leaders got together to talk about the many things involved with starting a club. The name that I think is going to stick is the "Montrose Mountain Lions." We will have registration on Wednesday, Jan. 9, beginning at 6:30 pm.
 
PRAYER MEETING
Prayer meeting will resume on Tuesday, Jan. 15, with a new series on friendship evangelism. We're going to do a four-part series based on some new friendship evangelism materials that my friend, Ed Keyes, shared with me at the recent West Point of Evangelism seminar. Some of our upcoming series that we are looking at for next year include: Christian heroes in the history of Christianity, a series on families and family life, and a series on the life & teachings of Jesus.

PASTOR'S BLOG
Heidi and Emma ended up staying in Chattanooga for an extra week since she was feeling sick and the airline let her change her ticket at no cost. So I've been "batching" it for another week! Thank you for your hospitality, food, and for some of you, taking me to the ER on New Year's Eve (or, as I like to refer to it, a "progressive party"). On Monday I had a fun day skiing at Telluride but somehow managed to break my wrist.
 
I've had a lot of fun getting to know many of you much better as I've been able to make progress on pastoral visits. Thank you for inviting me into your homes, and for the opportunity to pray together. I praise God for the wonderful church family that we have. Yesterday was especially significant because I got signed up officially to be a chaplain at the hospital. This will be nice to rotate with the other chaplains, minister to people in our community, and I even get a badge so I get a discount in the cafeteria--their veggie burger is quite good.
 
I fly out tomorrow for one of my close friend's ordination in central California. I'll be preaching at his church on Zacchaeus Sabbath morning, and participating in the afternoon ordination service. I'm looking forward to spending Sunday at Alcatraz for my day off (hurray, another National Park!) before heading back home for pastor's meetings. Weathering permitting, Heidi and I plan to both be home next Thursday.